Voodoo. Someone thought a voodoo doctor would be the perfect gimmick to introduce to WWE television in 1992. While the character had its upside, including a fairly cool look, the ludicrous nature of it induced more laughs than fright. Lighting opponents on fire, causing the Ultimate Warrior to bleed green slime, then vomit pea soup all over the medical professionals tending to him only did more to hurt the character than enhance it. Shango would be an upper midcard star for the company through most of 1992 but by the fall months, he had clearly outlived his welcome. After looking destined to succeed thanks to rivalries with industry giant Warrior and some solid matches against Bret Hart, he vanished in 1993, never to be seen again. Not that anyone was complaining. If fans wanted to see cheesy special effects and horror movie storylines, they would have thrown in any B-rated flick from the '80s. No one really knows whatever happened to Papa Shango. Many believe he returned to Parts Unknown but where he went with the rest of his life remains a mystery. Though there was that rumor about him moving to Las Vegas and taking up pimping.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
